More than 100 seniors from around the county, some dressed in traditional German garb, met at the Hartford firehouse for an Oktoberfest celebration on Wednesday.

It was the first event of its kind for the hosting Hartford Seniors, and most of them gave credit to Karen Harrington for organizing it. Harrington wanted to create a new event for the seniors, so she spoke with Debbie White, owner of What’s Cookin’ restaurant in Hartford, who usually hosts senior events.

The two sent out letters to area senior groups, and about 105 seniors and their family and friends attended.

“I thought it went very well; everyone seems to like it,” Harrington said of the response. Seniors came from Granville, Hartford, Hebron and other nearby towns.

Among the group were several native Germans, including Ute Mehalick, wife of Granville native Jim Mehalick, both of whom recently retired as longtime owners of the Hofbrauhaus in Queensbury. The couple was dressed in dirndl and lederhosen (traditional clothing) as were several others in attendance.

White and her staff provided a full, traditional meal, complete with cabbage and black forest cake for dessert, and most of the seniors said it was delicious. Following the food, the Bluebillies band took the floor and put on a show, which included a polka to which several seniors danced.

Harrington said she hopes to repeat the event next year and that it will grow.